January 7, 2007: Relatives say 6 Jena High School students expelled

Feb. 9, 2008 6:06 PM

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The six students charged with attempted second-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder in connection with a Dec. 4 beating of a student at Jena High School have been expelled from school, relatives said Saturday.

Contacted by phone Saturday, Yalanda Jones, 25, of Trout, said her brother, Carwin Jones, attended an expulsion hearing with the LaSalle Parish School Board on Dec. 14. He and the other five students returned to meet with the board on Dec. 18, at which time they were expelled, she said.

"They went back before the board on Monday also and they were expelled that Monday," Yalanda Jones said. She added that Carwin Jones was released from jail on a bail bond on Dec. 18.

"The grand jury has met, but we still haven't heard anything from the grand jury," Yalanda Jones said. "But I know they've met."

Carwin's mother, Dwanda Jones, 41, of Trout, said: "I'm sorry for what happened to the young man, but this is my son's last year and I feel he should graduate with his class like he's supposed to."

Jones added that her son has said he wasn't involved in the beating, and she believes him.

She said she received a letter about a meeting with the district attorney originally scheduled for Monday but reset for Tuesday at the courthouse.

Billy Purvis Sr. confirmed when contacted by phone Saturday that his son Bryant Purvis was expelled "for the remainder of the year" as were the other five students.

However, Billy Purvis said that he's been told that all the students will get the chance to have an education, regardless of whether or not they are incarcerated.

"All are innocent until proven guilty," Billy Purvis said. He added that he bailed his son out of jail on Dec. 7.

He said no one from The Town Talk tried to call him about the issue during the week once school resumed and that he'd be back in his office on Monday. He did not respond to relatives' statements whether the six students had been expelled.